'Oh,' said the husband, 'mine is the real headache, genuine pain, yours is a sort of natural consequence.'" For seven weeks she is at Margaret's bedside every moment when out of school, and also superintends the house and looks after the children.

There are a nurse and a girl in the kitchen, but the invalid will eat no food which Cousin Susan does not prepare; there is no touch so light and gentle as hers; her very presence gives rest and strength.

At the end of this time Margaret dies, leaving four little children.

Susan's grief is as intense as if she had lost a sister, and she decides to remain no longer in Canajoharie.

She writes: "I seem to shrink from my daily tasks; energy and stimulus are wanting; I have no courage.